What is SoGEA? An Ultimate Guide to Single Order Generic Ethernet Access
SoGEA is a new technology that allows individuals and businesses in the UK to have a high-speed connection without the need for a traditional phone line.
Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SoGEA) is a relatively new term for you, and you have questions in your mind, like how it can be beneficial for you.
Until last year, in order to get a broadband connection for your home or office, you needed a traditional landline installed and then ADSL broadband or fibre broadband was installed on top of this connection. But with the advancement in technology, internet service providers have evolved new ways to provide ease to their customers.
BT Openreach is now providing a single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SoGEA) that does not need the installation of any traditional copper landline. It is a connection that includes an underlying version of a phone line. It may lead to the closing of Digital and Analogue lines in 2025.
Here in this guide, you can find the answers to all your questions.
What Is SoGEA Broadband?
You may have heard about SoGEA and wondered how it differs from other types of connectivity solutions in the market. It is essential for you to completely understand this connection to make a decision whether it is right for you or not.
SoGEA is an abbreviation for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. This type of internet connection uses your already existing copper phone lines to connect you to a network, but instead of using it for a voice call, it uses it for the data as it does not need any additional infrastructure, so it is much cheaper to deploy compared to fibre to the cabinet or FTTC.
What Are The Benefits of SoGEA?
Here we are describing some benefits of single order generic ethernet access so that you can make a better decision:
1. More Stable
It is a more stable connection when you compare it with a traditional broadband connection. SoGEA offers you a download speed of up to 80Mbps, which is higher than a traditional ADSL connection.
2. Quick Installation
There is no need to have a phone line for a traditional phone line with single order generic ethernet access. So, it has a quick installation as compared to other broadband connections.
3. Better Service
This type of broadband connection offers a great service. As there is less call traffic on your internet line, that ultimately leads to fewer interruptions, and you can enjoy a better quality internet connection.
4. Familiar Connection
Everybody is familiar with fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) broadband and SoGEA also works on similar technology. Hence there is no need for any special knowledge to understand its working.
5. Aligned
Other areas all over the world already have similar connectivity solutions in place. By investing in getting a SoGEA connection, you will be aligning your business.
6. Widely Available
Although it is a relatively new connection, it is still available in most areas. Currently, Around 28 million properties in the UK have access to SoGEA, and this number is continuously increasing.
7. Quick Fix
One single order does not contain any phone line, which means you only have one instead of two calls. As a result, the fixed time is quick as compared to standard broadband connections.
8. Future Proof
According to experts, the PSTN switch-off is coming in 2025. SoGEA gives you a great opportunity to get a future-proof connection and start embracing VoIP technology.
What Speeds Can You Get With SoGEA?
Typically, there are two different types of speed including SoGEA and SoGFAST. Now you may wonder what is SoGfast. Here is the answer to your question:
It is a new fibre broadband technology that provides a faster speed compared to SoGEA connection. It is a combination of SoGEA and fibre and Gfast fibre connection. It works in the same way as a single ogre generic ethernet connection, but it uses optical fibre instead of copper wires. It means both SoGEA and SoGfast are high-speed connections offering a reliable and high-quality connection.
Currently, you can get the following speeds with a SoGEA connection:
- SoGEA 40Mb/ 10Mb
- SoGEA 55 Mb/ 10 Mb
- SoGEA 80 Mb/ 20Mb
- SoGfast 160Mb/ 30Mb
- SoGfast 330Mb/ 50Mb
How is SoGEA Different From FTTP?
FTTP or fibre to the premises is a complete fibre connection that does not use any copper cable. It uses fibre optic cables from the exchange to your premises, no matter if it is a residential or commercial premise. However, it may not be available in all areas, and the same is true for the SoGEA connection. But having a full-fibre connection means you can enjoy numerous benefits, so if it is available in your area, you must consider having it.
SoGEA can not provide you with speed as fast as the FTTP connection. You can get a speed of up to 330Mb with a SoGfast connection, while FTTP is able a speed upto 1GB. In addition, SoGEA is a cost-effective broadband connection, but if your business is internet critical, you must consider choosing FTTP as your internet connection.
What Is The Difference Between SoGEA and FTTC?
The most significant difference between these two connections is due to the infrastructure. If you want to get an FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) connection, you have to get a conventional phone line connection, and then you will have a fibre broadband connection over it. FTTC connection uses both fibre optic cables and copper cables, but SoGEA only uses copper cables, which is why it is less reliable than FTTC.
BT Openreach is the largest internet service provider in the UK, offering high-speed fibre connections. It started offering a SoGEA connection that does not require any landline connection. With such a connection, you do not need to worry about line rental. It also means you can save money by having such a connection. Moreover, all copper connections will be discontinued until 2025, including ADSL PSTN and FTTC.
We expect that after that time, SoGEA will become the new FTTC. Other than that, it can also provide a faster speed in some areas where a Gfast connection is available.
What If you Need Voice Services?
You may also need voice services along with a high-quality internet connection. Many established managed service providers offer SoGEA connection and the installation of VoIP telephone connection as standard. It allows them to make and receive calls as anyone can do with traditional phone lines.
You can choose a new telephone number or migrate your existing number. VoIP is the latest technology offering several benefits to the business in streamlining their communication. So if you need Voice services, you should look for providers offering VoIP services along with single-order generic ethernet access.
Bottom Line
When choosing an internet connection, you must keep in mind your business or home requirements so that you can choose the right connection. By the end of 2025, PSTN services will be withdrawn, and it will be an end to traditional methods of making and receiving calls. It offers several other benefits such as quick installation, cost-effectiveness and wider availability. Therefore, to work conveniently with a high-speed connection that can work without a phone line, you must have a connection like SoGEA.